CHAI in Hyderabad

A lot has been written about the omnipresent Indian 'Chai', but this beverage has been taken to a completely different level in Hyderabad. Chai in Hyderabad is the great leveler, and in a class of it's own. It is sought by King and Vagabond alike with the same degree of undying passion. 'Hyderabadi Chai' is a quintessential part of the city's folklore and has developed a mystique and aura around it. Rumours abound on the secret ingredients that are allegedly used to give it that unique taste (not to mention the consequent addiction), that one seems to develop for it.

The credit for elevating this humble brew to it's heavenly status should go to that uniquely Hyderabadi institution, the 'Irani' cafe. No locality in this historic city would be complete without it's very own Irani cafe. Not a single college campus or movie theater would survive if it did not have an Irani cafe within a stone's throw. Any excuse is good enough to take a break and walk across to the nearest Paradise, Garden, Plaza or ...Madina Cafe to savor that hot cup of thick, creamy flavorsome 'Chai' ! You would be looked upon as being perfectly normal if you walked in and ordered a 1/2 Chai and shared it with a friend. You have more than one Friend, no problem ! You could put your mental mathematical abilities to the ultimate test. You could go for 2/3, 3/5, upto your imagination and the portly cafe owner would be most willingly at your service.

The ultimate enjoyment would ofcourse be if you poured the chai into a saucer, held it in skillful balance on the tips of your fingers and close to your lips to sip it unmindful of the loud slurping noise you made to enjoy it. Needless to mention, the experience would be incomplete if you did not have either the small circular salt biscuits or mini samosas to accompany the Chai. You would be served up a generous pile of both items on a plate and allowed to have as many as you feel like. The left overs would dutifully go back to the counter for resale, no questions asked...........who cares about HACCP or occupational health, when you have just been transported to heavenly bliss.......... !!!!